Virtual Worlds Forum

More news on how virtual reality is being used for medical and treatment applications. The University of Texas at Dallas Center for Brainhealth has created its own virtual world for use with patients diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome. The idea is that they can practise their social skills within the world, using avatars based on their own likenesses. Locations in the world include restaurants, shops, offices, apartments and parks, while specific exercises include virtual job interviews, with the aim of lessening the fear and anxiety which might be felt in a real-world interview situation. The centre's director Dr Sandra Chapman is enthusiastic about the technology:

"The clinicians can change the virtual world to increase the complexity of the exercise, control for sensory overload, provide motivation, and record feedback. Unlike other models of intervention, virtual world experiences provide a powerful way to learn new and more appropriate ways to respond to people in scenarios similar to those faced everyday."

It's early stages, but apparently researchers at the centre have seen dramatic improvements in their patients' awareness of their social problems - the first step towards improving things. (via press release)